"Pselaphesis" is a rarely used and difficult-to-spell word. Its pronunciation is /səˈlæfəsɪs/. The first syllable, "psel," starts with the silent letter "p" and a slightly aspirated "s" sound. The second syllable, "aph," is pronounced with the "a" sound found in "cat." The third syllable, "e," is pronounced with the short "e" sound. The final syllable, "sis," has a soft "c" sound and a long "i" sound. Altogether, "pselaphesis" is a mouthful that requires careful attention to its unique spelling.
Pselaphesis is a relatively obscure and specialized term that finds its origin in the field of literature and literary criticism. It refers to a rhetorical figure or device that involves the omission or deliberate suppression of a word or phrase from a sentence, typically for the purpose of creating emphasis or adding a dramatic effect to the overall meaning of the text.
Derived from the Greek word "pselaphēsis," meaning "secrecy" or "concealment," pselaphesis pertains specifically to instances where words are intentionally left unsaid within a sentence structure. This deliberate omission of content can lead to a more nuanced or cryptic expression, allowing for the reader or listener to infer and engage in a more active process of interpretation.
The use of pselaphesis is often associated with poetic and lyrical styles of writing, as it can heighten the overall impact of the artistic or aesthetic qualities of the work. By altering the normal flow and structure of language, pselaphesis invites the audience to participate in the construction of meaning, making the reading or listening experience more engaging and thought-provoking.
In summary, pselaphesis is a literary device involving the omission or suppression of words or phrases for the purpose of creating emphasis, adding drama, or encouraging active interpretation. This figure of speech allows for a more artistic and cryptic expression of ideas, often seen in poetic or lyrical works of literature.
Pselaphesia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.